COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
L’Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève
Tucked away west of Montreal, the borough of L’Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève is home to vast green spaces, well-known golf courses, and beautiful residential properties. The picturesque country community is spread over 23.63 square kilometres, and is made up of the formerly independent municipalities of L’Île-Bizard and Ste-Geneviève, which merged to become a borough of the city of Montreal in 2002.
As the name suggests, L’Île-Bizard is an island separate from mainland Montreal and surrounded by Lake of Two Mountains and the Rivière des Prairies, while Ste-Geneviève shares a land border with the neighbouring community of Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
The history of L’Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève dates back to 1678. For most of their past, these two farming communities were scarcely populated.
But as agriculture dwindled, community residents needed to seek out other sources of income; in the 1950s, two golf courses were built on the island, which translated into rapid growth in the community. Developers, however, were always careful to preserve what made the area so special in the first place: its lovely green spaces, forests and vistas. Today, L’Île-Bizard— Ste- Geneviève has a population of roughly 18,097.
“L’Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève is one of the largest boroughs in the city, while having one of the smallest populations,” said Mayor Normand Marinacci. “That leaves room for many large green spaces, such as the Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard park, with its 539 acres of greenery and more than 10 kilometres of trails for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.”
The fact that it’s an island helps to provide a unique identity and community feeling, he added.
“Our island gives us a quieter environment, while being only 15 minutes away from major highways. We’re a country neighbourhood, in the city! And we must not forget Ste-Geneviève, a small patrimonial neighbourhood on the main Montreal island. The island is also connected to Laval through a small ferry service.”
In terms of demographics, the
borough is a mixture of different classes and backgrounds.
In L’Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève you’ll find a healthy middle class, as well as some wealthier families living mainly in the waterfront areas. The heart of the island, also known as the village, has a friendly and relaxed feeling.
It’s truly an ideal setting in which to raise a family, with three primary schools, and a range of impressive facilities.
“We have many sports facilities, including an arena, parks, outdoor pools, synthetic soccer field, and exercise stations, which make it a great neighbourhood for any nature or sports lover,” Marinacci said. “There’s also the CEGEP Gérald- Godin in Ste- Geneviève, so students are welcome! It’s a great place for young families, young professionals, newcomers, and retirees. Everyone will feel at home.”
We’re a country neighbourhood, in the city!
MAYOR NORMAND MARINACCI
In addition to these impressive features, the borough has been investing further in its community in recent years.
“We are working on the Humanize Landscape project, in order to preserve the island’s rural character and agricultural vocations,” Marinacci said. “This year, we are also making big investments in our parks — with new play areas, water play parks, and exercise stations.”
Later this year, the borough will begin construction on a new multipurpose space as part of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations. This new building will be a gathering place in the heart of the borough’s cultural, recreational and community activity.
In terms of its housing market, the community has a lot to offer buyers. The majority — 75 per cent, to be exact — of the population in L’Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève own their own property, while only 25 per cent rent.
“Some of Montreal’s most prestigious homes are located in Île-Bizard,” said Sarah Thacker, realestate broker with Équipe Tiffanie & Tanya. “Manicured lawns and pristine gardens worthy of magazine covers are found on every street corner, and there is an immense pride of ownership in the borough.”
Île-Bizard’s waterfront is also known to be more affordable than some similar waterfront locations in the West Island.
“It’s attracting a clientele that is looking for vast green space, large lots, and tranquillity,” Thacker said. “It’s by far the greenest, too, with lush gardens and nature trails all within city limits.”
Among properties on the market is a four-bedroom family home built in 1950 with a heated inground pool on Érables Ave, currently listed for $620,000. A fivebedroom property built in 2001 on Bellevue St. is going for $599,000. If you’re looking for a luxury property, a mammoth home overlooking a golf course on La Vieille-École St. is asking $1,595,000.
“We are limiting any new housing development to preserve the town and country vibe of our borough,” Marinacci said. “The island still has many green spaces and agricultural land that makes our territory unique, and we wish to protect those lands.” That said, the borough did authorize a small development consisting of one-storey townhouses, aimed at retirees.
“We are also working on finishing Bellevue St. and new lots should be available there for limited new constructions,” Mayor Marinacci said. “There’s something for everyone here.
“People will appreciate the country environment and being surrounded by water, while still benefiting from all the services a big city can provide.”